Launches and Legacies

Most presidential turning points appear only in hindsight. Some ultimately unpopular policies--the Korean or Vietnam or Iraq wars--began with broad public support, while others that end up as historic triumphs--the Marshall Plan, tax reform, welfare reform--faced fierce challenge at their launch. It is too soon to say how Obamacare will feature in this President's legacy, but it is already clear that Barack Obama's foremost legislative accomplishment will not survive its first year intact. The success of the President's second term will depend on how well he meets this test.